Full-Circle Service
Comfort 360 includes electrical solutions
electrical services, including panel upgrades, surge protection, EV charger installations and backup generator setups.
Customer demand for energy-efficient electrical solutions has driven much of this growth. The company partners with trusted manufacturers to provide high-quality, reliable products like Generac generators and advanced electrical panels. As a Generac Dealer and Trane Comfort Specialist, Comfort 360 ensures that its electricians stay up-to-date with the latest technologies through ongoing training and certifications.
By Kelly Romo, Active Media
Photos by Lisa Kuhlman, Active Media
Comfort 360, formerly Comfort Air, has been a familyowned business serving Vancouver since 1983. It has undergone a significant rebranding to better reflect its wide range of services. With the expansion of its electrical division, Comfort 360 has evolved into a comprehensive provider of HVAC, plumbing, and full-service electrical solutions for residential and commercial customers. The rebranding highlights the company’s growth and new capability to offer comprehensive service.
The decision to transition from Comfort Air to Comfort 360 stemmed from a desire to encompass the company’s full scope of services. While heating, cooling, and plumbing remain core areas, the expansion to full-service electrical services required a name that aligned with its broader focus. Comfort 360’s new identity reflects its mission to provide well-rounded, expert solutions all in one place.
Electrical services at Comfort 360 have evolved significantly since the company’s founding. Originally, they subcontracted electrical work while installing air conditioners or furnaces. As demand for electrical services grew, they built an in-house team to handle everything from system installations to complex troubleshooting. Today, Comfort 360 offers a full range of
Customer satisfaction is central to Comfort 360’s business strategy and drives every aspect of its operations. The company prioritizes accessibility by offering free estimates, special discounts, and flexible payment plans to make sure its high-quality services are available to a wide range of customers. This customerfirst approach extends to their service department, which is designed for efficiency and responsiveness. With a well-staffed team, Comfort 360 is able to provide prompt service, often offering same-day solutions for urgent issues. Their commitment to quick, reliable service has fostered a strong base of loyal customers, leading to consistently positive reviews and frequent word-of-mouth referrals.
Looking ahead, Comfort 360 plans to expand its electrical division into Oregon and continue growing its commercial client base. As the company moves forward, it remains committed to delivering safe, efficient, and innovative electrical services to meet the evolving needs of its community.
For more information or to request a free quote, call 360-7061496 or visit www.comfortairnow.com.
A Heart of Gold
Youth mentor partners with nonprofits
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
Ian Manheimer has spent most of his life giving back to the community in some way, and for him, that initiative is very personal. He grew up in a single-parent household and had his fair share of troubles with drugs and alcohol until, at 15 years old, he decided to turn his life around. As an adult, his professional pursuits have always been connected to supporting, mentoring and empowering youth. “There were many times I felt lonely and isolated at that age, or I was making bad decisions,” Ian recalls. “I want to make a difference for those kids.”
Ian owns a colossal party rental company called BounceN-Battle. Originally from New York, he grew up in Florida and came to Washington in 2001 for a vacation, during which he bought an inflatable laser tag arena on impulse from a family entertainment center. With a degree in education and a special ed endorsement, he relocated to the Pacific Northwest in 2002 and began teaching students who struggled with severe emotional and behavioral disorders, just as he had, while accumulating more funds and bounce units behind the scenes. In 2014, he purchased VIP Photobooth and, shortly after that, made Bounce-N-Battle his full-time gig. Not just for kids and backyard birthday parties, Ian’s offerings are fun for all ages, including mobile mini-golf, a mobile escape room, water slides, obstacle courses and so much more! And the best part is that the business has allowed him to contribute to local causes he’s passionate about.
Though Ian works with countless nonprofits, Rocksolid Community Teen Center holds a special place in his heart. The organization is focused on transforming lives through youth development, positive mentorship and growth, with afterschool programs aimed at teaching life skills, receiving help with homework, participating in community service projects and more. They reached out to Ian about renting inflatable tube men for a fundraiser, and once he learned about their mission, he began donating dunk tanks and other equipment for their events. “We have the tools to help raise money in a fun and exciting way,” Ian explains. “People are willing to pay to dunk people, especially local celebrities.” Eventually, he joined the Board of Directors for Rocksolid, and his contributions have included donating funds, purchasing tables at auctions, bringing supplies and volunteering his time to mentor the kids.
Donating equipment for fundraisers has become a big part of Ian’s business, so much so that he rolled out the Give Back Program, which generates revenue for organizations by donating 10% of the money from equipment rentals purchased with an assigned code. “For example, if a school wants to raise extra funds, we give them a code they can send out to parents, and if anyone uses that code to book rentals for an event, 10% of the funds go back to the school.” Ian has many fun stories of nonprofits that have raised impressive amounts with his donated dunk tanks. “I remember this particular church event — when I went back to pick up the dunk tank, they said someone had paid $10,000 to dunk a pastor,” he says with a laugh. “That’s above and beyond, but you never know what results you’ll have.”
With twins of his own and a few bonus kids, Ian is a busy guy, but he always finds time to help others. As a three-time cancer survivor and an advocate for those struggling with addiction and mental health, his passion for supporting the community runs deep. Ian encourages others to get involved in the causes that mean the most to them. “You don’t have to be in a certain financial position to spend five minutes with a kid or to volunteer somewhere,” he says. “We all have something to share and something to learn. Get out there and find something that touches your heart.”
For more info, visitbouncenbattle.com.
The Darkest Days
How the winter solstice brings hope
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Every year around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. Through the centuries this annual cosmic event has inspired stories, myths, and celebrations, blending elements of nature, light, and spirituality in traditions shared by numerous cultures across the globe. At the heart of these ancient rituals and festivities is the summer solstice’s association with birth and renewal, a seasonal change in nature that heralds the coming of spring and an end to the darkness of winter.
Ancient Origins: Celebrating the Sun’s Return
Before calendars and clocks were invented, people lived in accordance with the sun’s cycles. In a sun-centric world the solstice served as a pivotal marker in their agricultural, spiritual, and social lives. For many cultures, the winter solstice was viewed with trepidation — a time when the world could fall into chaos, a dark period where the sun was symbolically at its weakest — before returning to glory as the days lengthened. The summer solstice was a reminder of the sun’s return, bringing warmth, growth, and sustenance. Elaborate feasts were often held, sacred rituals performed, and fires lit to encourage the rebirth of the sun.
Northern Europe: Yule and the Norse Pantheon
One of the most famous winter solstice traditions took place in Northern Europe where ancient Germanic and Norse tribes celebrated Yule. A festival that honored the Norse gods, particularly Odin, Yule focuses upon the rebirth of the sun. Evergreens, symbolizing eternal life, were central to Yule, and homes were decorated with boughs of holly, ivy, and mistletoe — plants resistant to winter’s chill. Over time, these traditions blended with Christian customs, resulting in today’s wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees.
Rome: Saturnalia and the Feast of Misrule
Across the Roman Empire, the solstice celebration known as Saturnalia was a time of joyous revelry. Saturnalia honored Saturn, the god of agriculture and time with festivities that flipped societal norms. During Saturnalia, carnivallike chaos reigned — slaves could become masters for a day, gambling was permitted, and everyone feasted. It was a season of merriment, gift-giving, and the relaxation of social rules. Everyone — rich and poor alike — could partake in the festivities. Saturnalia had a profound influence on later Christmas celebrations, particularly the communal feasting, exchanging of gifts, and sense of goodwill.
The British Isles: Stonehenge and the Celtic Solstice
East Asia: Dongzhi Festival and Harmony in Balance
In East Asia, the Dongzhi Festival signals the arrival of winter and the rebirth of yang energy. Dongzhi, meaning “extreme of winter,” derives from the concept of yin and yang — the cosmic balance of dark and light. While the winter solstice represents the darkest day, it also signifies the gradual rise of yang energy and the light.
In the British Isles, Stonehenge remains one of the most iconic sites associated with the winter solstice. Constructed thousands of years ago, this mysterious stone circle aligns perfectly with the solstice sunrise, drawing crowds of onlookers annually to witness the event. Though Stonehenge’s origin is unknown, it’s clear that its creators were deeply attuned to the celestial rhythms, and utilized the monument to mark important seasonal shifts.
In the Celtic world, the summer solstice was a time when the Oak King triumphed over the Holly King in their eternal battle for earth’s light. The Oak King, symbolizing the waxing sun, would begin to grow stronger with the longer days, heralding the return of spring. Rituals involved bonfires, feasts, and offerings to the gods in gratitude for the return of the light.
In China, Dongzhi is a time for family reunions and feasting on specific culinary favorites such as tangyuan — glutinous rice balls served in sweet syrup, symbolizing family unity. In southern China, dumplings are also popular and are believed to protect against the winter cold. Dongzhi is also a time for reconnecting with ancestors, and the belief is that one’s good fortune and health in the coming year depends on harmony between the living and the deceased.
Indigenous Peoples: Honoring the Dark and the Light
For many Indigenous cultures of North America, summer solstice rituals were held to celebrate the return of the sun. The Pueblo peoples celebrated Soyal with purification rituals and dances meant to awaken the sun from its winter sleep. Central to the ceremony is the creation of kachina dolls — symbolic representations of deities or spirits — that play a crucial role in the life cycle.
Far to the North, the Inuit people of Alaska and Canada honored the summer solstice with a festival called Quviasukvik, a time when families convened to share food and stories, reflect on the past and anticipate the return of the sun. As a people accustomed to harsh Arctic winters, the summer solstice indeed was cause for celebration. Longer days and the return of the sun literally represented survival in the brutal conditions of the North.
South America: Inti Raymi and the Andean Celebration
In the Southern Hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs in June. Among the Incas, Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun was held in honor of Inti, the sun god. The Incas, who revered the sun as their primary deity, performed elaborate ceremonies in honor of Inti to ensure good harvests in the coming year. At the heart of the solstice celebrations was the city of Cusco, where ritual sacrifices, offerings and dances were performed to demonstrate the people’s gratitude and reverence for the sun’s critical role in sustaining life. Modern day celebrations honoring Inti are held to this day.
The Solstice Today: A Time for Reflection and Renewal
While solstice celebrations have evolved over the centuries, themes of light, rebirth, and reflection are timeless. From spiritual gatherings to cozy times around the hearth, the winter solstice invites us to anticipate the return of the sun and all that it brings to the earth. So as the winter solstice rolls around, take a moment to slow down, reflect, and find balance, like our ancestors once did. On the darkest of days, the solstice is a celebration of endurance, hope, and abundance that light makes possible in our lives.
Southwest Washington
Jen Loftin
RJL Accounting & Tax
4001 Main St., Ste. 323, Vancouver 360-952-3813
info@rjlbs.com
rjlaccountingtax.com
Courtney DeFrees
Fidelity National Title / Chicago Title
655 W. Columbia Way, Ste. 200, Vancouver
360-356-6931
courtney.defrees@fnf.com
CTT-FNTVancouver.com
In 2012, I founded RJL Accounting and Tax, a firm that has helped hundreds of businesses with planning, streamlining business practices, creating strategies to increase profitability and decreasing tax liabilities. RJL has been recognized by the Vancouver Business Journal with the Fastest Growing Business Award in 2021, a Family Business Award and the Best in Business Award, all a testament to my team’s dedication and clients’ trust. Community is at the core of who I am. I support local nonprofits and also am an investor in the Columbia River Economic Council. If you’re a small to mid-size business owner seeking accounting and bookkeeping services, business consulting and/or tax preparation, we would love to help you! We also welcome individuals who need our help with tax preparation and filing. Our firm welcomes you!
As a Battle Ground resident of more than 20 years, I have helped many people with banking and mortgage-related needs in my 17-plus years with Columbia Credit Union. My favorite thing is running into CCU members around our wonderful community! Whether I have assisted with a home purchase or refinance, or any other general banking needed, I feel honored to have been able to connect with clients on a personal level regarding something so important in their lives! I am also a co-owner of a recently opened full-service beauty salon in BG. Rare Salon is located on N. Parkway Ave., across from Battle Ground High School. We offer cosmetic/permanent makeup, esthetics, spray tanning, and all of your full-service hair styling needs! We see the continued growth in Battle Ground, and we are proud to serve the beauty needs of our community!
As a sales executive with Fidelity National Title and Chicago Title, I’ve had the pleasure of being with the company for over nine years. I work with real estate agents throughout Southwest Washington, helping them with marketing strategies and business development to grow their business and succeed in the market. Having grown up in Clark County, I have a deep connection to the community and an understanding of the real estate market. My career began in escrow before moving into sales — a shift driven by my passion for marketing and building relationships. With a degree in marketing, I pride myself on offering creative, result-driven solutions. My goal is to make the title and escrow process smoother and more efficient.
Women in Business
Bonnie Brasure Bleu Door Bakery
2411 Main St., Vancouver 360-693-2538
bonnie@bleudoorbakery.com bleudoorbakery.com
Judy Musa
Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation
4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Ste. 101, Vancouver 360-906-4703
jmusa@fvrlfoundation.org fvrlfoundation.org
Zoia Raimer Pacifc Perks
9014 N.E. St. Johns Rd., Vancouver 503-949-5353
zoia@pacificperkscoffee.com pacificperkscoffee.com
While a student at the New England Culinary Institute, I wrote a paper describing my dream of opening a French bakery. For many years after graduation, I worked in other aspects of the restaurant business — chef, manager, supplier — but it wasn’t until 2011 that my dream became reality as I was able to open Bleu Door Bakery. A few years later, the bakery expanded to what it is today, a thriving café with a busy catering department. Seeing customers and friends enjoying my food brings me joy. I feel fortunate my business is in such a supportive community. I am passionate about giving back to this community and participating in supporting the underserved with holiday meals and a donation to the Share the Warmth drive. Come by and check out our pastry and café menu using only the freshest ingredeints.
As the development officer for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation, I raise program funds for our district’s 15 libraries. Libraries are essential to our community members, old and young. Reading to children helps them develop a strong vocabulary, strengthening their ability to make themselves known and their ideas understood. Cognitive skills, such as memory, attention span and problem-solving, are significantly and positively affected, helping them better succeed in school. These are just a few of the myriad reasons why libraries are so important. The Library Foundation sponsors early childhood reading programs and summer reading programs. I am always happy to talk to people about how they can become involved as a sponsor, donor or volunteer.
With over 20 years in management, marketing, training and development, I am proud to have spent the last seven-plus years as the director of business development and training for Pacific Perks. As a flat-rate, mobile catering company, we create an experience your guests are sure to remember! I’m honored to be a part of the executive team. Together, we have grown from a local catering company to, most recently, a franchisor. In addition, in 2020, I was able to flex my entrepreneurial wings and began New Terra Landscape & Design with my husband, helping to create amazing outdoor living spaces. In my “spare” time, I’m especially blessed to act as president of the board for A Caring Closet, an incredible organization that provides durable medical equipment for the community.
Furnished for a Fresh Start
Changing lives with recycled furniture
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
People say home is where the heart is, and that’s undoubtedly true, but there’s much more to it. Though we all understand the importance of having a roof over our heads, many underestimate the positive impact of having a bed to sleep in or a table to eat on, and it’s to that end NW Furniture Bank dedicates itself. The organization partners with local social service agencies to furnish the homes of thousands of Washington residents coming out of transitional situations and seeking to reconstruct their lives.
With warehouse locations in Vancouver and Tacoma, NW Furniture Bank is the primary furniture source for agencies across Pierce, South King, Clark and Cowlitz counties. “The three main tenets of our mission are to restore hope, dignity and stability in our community,” says Executive Director Jeremy Simler. “Having furniture provides a lot we take for granted, like a place to eat with our family or a comfortable place to sleep so we can be rested for work.”
Clients referred are often escaping difficult circumstances like domestic violence, floods, fires and homelessness. Maybe they’re a veteran needing support or a young person who’s aged out of foster care. Local agencies assist with housing, but people often move into empty homes, and that’s where NW
Furniture Bank comes in. With a warehouse full of lightly loved furnishings to peruse, clients can select a houseful of furniture for a $100 processing fee and have it delivered for an additional $125. The organization serves about 200 families between the two locations each month.
NW Furniture Bank’s impact depends largely on community support, with donations from businesses and families. About half of the funds needed for operation are selfgenerated through retail sales. Each location features an upscale retail store, a veritable treasure trove for beautiful furniture and accessories that are gently used and reasonably priced.
Catholic Community Services recently ran a statistic that people are 50% less likely to return to homelessness if they have furniture in their house. The numbers are enough to show the difference NW Furniture Bank makes in the community, but the actual proof is the stories of the clients who walk through the door. “I met a grandmother who had recently retained custody of her grandchildren, and they were sleeping on the floor,” Jeremy recalls. “She came in for beds and mattresses while the children were at school and had tears in her eyes as she told us how excited they would be.”
For the first time this year, NW Furniture Bank held a Vancouver Chair Affair in October. The fundraiser allowed community members to learn more about the organization’s mission, hear inspiring stories and celebrate its widespread impact. They also introduced the construction of their latest building off Southeast Mill Plain.
The nonprofit also picks up furniture for donation within a 30-mile radius for $75, so contact NW Furniture Bank the next time you’re downsizing or replacing household items. A list of accepted donations is available on their website. For another family, it could be the difference between eating at a table or eating on the floor. “We’re a small piece of the social services puzzle, but we see the fundamental impact it makes in people’s lives through the clients we serve every day,” Jeremy says.
NW Furniture Bank is located at 13503 S.W. Mill Plain Blvd. #114 in Vancouver. Please give them a call at 360-787-7144 or visit www.nwfurniturebank.org. Follow social media for updates on construction.
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Holiday Cheer
Lights, traditions and festivities
By Shara Burton, Visit Vancouver
As the holiday season approaches, Vancouver, Washington shines with cheer and community spirit. Inviting locals and visitors alike, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate this special time of year. From twinkling lights adorning neighborhoods to bustling markets and long-standing traditions, the city has something for everyone. Enjoy the Christmas Ships Parade along the waterfront or take a nostalgic ride on a vintage steam locomotive. Vancouver is filled with events that reflect the joy and warmth of the season.
Follow the glow of twinkling lights as festivities kick off and continue through the New Year. A must-see display is at Esther Short Park, where the city’s towering community tree shines brightly, surrounded by glowing lights that create a perfect holiday ambiance. For those who want even more, check out local neighborhoods like the popular Holidays on Franklin, where residents deck out their homes in dazzling lights and decorations.
Bundle up and head to the Vancouver Waterfront for a prime view of the lighted boats that parade up and down the Columbia River. A beloved tradition since 1954, the Christmas Ships Parade illuminates the river with merry boats covered in lights. On select nights in
December, the parade passes by the Vancouver Waterfront and Grant St. Pier, offering the perfect opportunity for families to gather and observe. Book an early reservation at a waterfront restaurant like Maryhill Winery or Twigs Bistro, where you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of indoor seating, too.
When it comes to finding the perfect gift for a loved one or treating yourself to something special, head to the Vancouver Farmers Market in downtown Vancouver. The winter brings a delightful selection of seasonal handmade crafts, delicious treats, and festive décor. Don’t forget to grab some goodies or sip on a cup of hot coffee from Kafiex Roasters as you browse! Stop by brick-and-mortar shops like Pop-Local on the waterfront or find smaller community bazaars that pop up throughout the city, offering everything from locally made goods to cozy winter wear and jewelry.
While most visits to Vancouver feature the bustling downtown, vibrant new waterfront, and its many foodie hotspots, a trip beyond the city limits reveals the charming countryside of North Clark County. One hidden gem is the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in Yacolt. For a nostalgic holiday outing, hop aboard the Christmas Special Train. The train rides through the picturesque countryside, offering a magical way to celebrate the season, complete with decorations and a visit from Santa Claus. As the locomotive winds through snow-dusted forests, families and train enthusiasts alike can enjoy views of the Lewis River from a hillside vantage point. The ride concludes at Moulton Station, where passengers can warm up with hot cocoa, cider, and coffee.
The excitement continues! Please visit visitvancouverwa.com to discover more events happening this season and throughout the year.
Advent Begins * Eat a Red Apple Day
National Cookie Cutter Day
World Aids Awareness Day
International Children’s Day*
National Brownie Day
National Lard Day
Cyber Monday * National Fritters Day
Bill of Rights Day
National Lemon Cupcake Day
Christmas Card Day
National Llama Day
National Pastry Day
National Cookie Day
Santa’s’ List Day
Brown Shoes Day
National App Day
Bathtub Party Day
World Soil Day
St. Nicholas Day
Mitten Tree Day
Put on your own Shoes Day
Friday the 13th*r.
Ice Cream Day
4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14
International Civil Aviation Day
Letter Writing Day
National Cotton Candy Day
Pearl Harbor Day
International Monkey Day
National Bouillabaisse Day
National Noodle Ring Day
White Elephant Day*
Bake Cookies Day
Roast Suckling Pig Day
Gingerbread House Day
Poinsettia Day
National Cocoa Day
Violin Day
U.K.
Roast Chestnuts Day
National Postal Worker Day
Crossword Puzzle Day
18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28
Christmas Day
Pumpkin Pie Day
Look for an Evergreen Day
National Regifting Day *
Oatmeal Muffin Day
Boxing Day*
Chanukah begins * Kwanzaa
National Candy Cane Day
Go Caroling Day
Bingo Month
National Fruitcake Month
Safe Toys and Gifts Month
World Food Service Safety Month
Write a Friend Month
Forefather’s Day
Humbug Day
Look on the Bright Side Day
National Flashlight Day
Winter Solstice *
Lego Build Day *
Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day
National Fruitcake Day
Card Playing Day
Smooth Operator
Securing your peace of mind
By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media
Photos by Lisa Kuhlman, Active Media
Ponderosa Garage Doors wishes you all a safe and secure holiday season! They know that fall and winter can bring their own challenges and they stand ready to assist with any garage door replacements, repairs or maintenance. Schedule your service call today to check for worn parts or potential problems. Don’t let the unexpected breakdown spoil your holidays!
“We’re here to help make sure your holidays go smoothly,” says Brock Fielding, spokesperson for Ponderosa Garage Doors. A company that views everyone as family, Ponderosa has adopted a vision “to be a leading contributor in building communities where people can wake up in a safe home experiencing peace and security.”
Yes, they sell, repair and install garage doors, but in keeping with their vision, they offer so much more. As true service professionals, they are dedicated to a client’s security and peace of mind. They respond to calls quickly, show up with a fully stocked service van, and in most cases complete the job the same day - or the very next day - doing their part to keep you safe and secure.
“What we really sell is an experience,” Brock relates. “We want to be transparent. We want to be direct with no surprises.” Reaching 900 reviews and receiving a five-star rating on Google, customers can count on this serviceminded company to get the job done right. Ponderosa’s service technicians and installers do a thorough job and evaluate the entire system, so customers can rest assured that their door is in top shape and fully operational. “From start to finish, this company has gone above and beyond expectations. I don’t know where they are finding these guys but they are seriously the best ones around.”
– Satisfied Customer Eva W. Garage door specialists for Southwestern Washington and the Portland Metro area, both residential and commercial, Ponderosa Garage Doors strives “to provide an unforgettable experience through innovative communication and service.” Ponderosa values their client’s time. “If they’re going to take the time to call us, we’re going to prioritize and take care of their time. It’s something we take pride in,” Brock acknowledges. Additionally, whatever state, emotional or otherwise, that a client is in at the time of service, Ponderosa technicians will listen, support and reassure clients to help ease their stress.
Family-owned and -operated, Ponderosa Garage Doors is built on five core values: Be Green, Address Everything, Be Nimble, Protect People, Fail Forward. For almost 30 years now, owners Ken Fielding and his wife Kris have been serving the community based on these values. Whether working with or for Ponderosa, it’s like working with your own family – they’re going to take care of you. “At the end of the day, we’re in the business to serve people,” says Brock.
Ponderosa Garage Doors is located at 12308 NE 56th St., Vancouver. Call, text or email customerservice@ ponderosagaragedoors.com. Visit ponderosagaragedoors. com for more information and special deals, or to book an appointment online anytime day or night!
The Magical Legend of Santa Claus
1600 years in the making
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
As the holiday season rolls around, Santa Claus assumes center stage. But where exactly did this rotund, jovial old man in a red suit originate, and how did he become the iconic symbol of Christmas that he is today? In truth, the history of Santa Claus is a fascinating tale that intertwines folklore, legends and a sprinkle of entrepreneurial ingenuity.
Santa Claus as we know him today traces his roots back to a number of historical figures, each contributing to the contemporary version we know and love. Perhaps the earliest inspiration for Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas, a Christian bishop of the 4th century, renowned for his acts of kindness and gift-giving. In time, Saint Nicholas became the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, archers and brewers, among others.
In the British Isles, a character known as Father Christmas emerged during the mid-17th century and was frequently depicted as a bearded man garbed in green, symbolizing the spirit of the season. By the 18th century, however, the concepts of Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas merged, resulting in a hybrid figure that blended elements from both traditions.
The American version of Santa Claus began to take shape in the 18th century. Influenced by Dutch and German settlers, the name “Santa Claus” evolved from the Dutch term “Sinterklaas.”
During this period, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”), a poem published in 1823, played a pivotal role in shaping the modern image of Santa. This poem described Santa
as a rotund gift-giver in a red suit who utilized chimneys rather than the front door for his Christmas visits. The poem, attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, established not only Santa’s magical nighttime journey around the world delivering toys to children, but specified his vehicle of choice as a sleigh powered by eight reindeer with specific names and attributes. Also introduced in the poem was the idea of Santa monitoring children on his “naughty and nice” list and filling stockings accordingly.
The classic image of Santa Claus in a red suit with a white beard was tweaked further in the 1930s due to a marketing campaign by Coca-Cola. The company’s advertisements depicted Santa as plump, rosy-cheeked, and garbed in a red and white outfit and hat. Although Santa had been portrayed in robes of other colors prior to this marketing campaign, CocaCola’s version of Santa Claus was embraced by the popular imagination and remains the image we associate with him to this day.
As the holidays roll around, and images of Santa Claus abound, know that, like so many things in life, Santa has evolved from his ancient origins as Saint Nicholas and Father Christmas to the iconic figure of Christmas cheer crafted by an imaginative poet and creative corporate advertising. One thing is for certain, whether you’re a child or an adult, the holidays would not be the same without Santa, his reindeer and the spirit of the season that he represents to so many around the world!
